Brannigan

Irish

"little raven"

Brannigan Origin and Meaning

The name Brannigan is a boy's name.

Brannigan is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Branagáin, meaning 'descendant of Branagán.' The element 'bran' in Celtic languages refers to 'raven,' giving the name associations with this intelligent and mythologically significant bird. Originally a family name, Brannigan transitioned to occasional use as a first name in the late 20th century, reflecting the trend of using surnames as given names. While never common as a first name, it carries strong Irish cultural connections and projects a robust, distinctive character. The name may also evoke associations with fictional characters like Zapp Brannigan from Futurama, giving it a contemporary cultural reference point alongside its traditional heritage.

The name Brannigan in Pop Culture

• Zap Brannigan character on TV's "Futurama"
• Lt. James Brannigan title character in the film "Brannigan," played by John Wayne
• Brannigan character on an episode of TV's Doctor Who